Cast Out

I sit here. So alone. Afraid
No one can ever come near me
I have been infected they tell me
I must stay away

I walk up to a small child who,
Laughs and asks me to play
I turn him down, I know the consequences
Of being close to someone

I walk away
And I see the parents from a distance
From my spot hidden in the trees
Sometimes I wish that I could be like that

But no,
I’ve been cast out
A sigh brings their gaze toward me
And angry fire burning in their eyes.

I run
It is time for me to go
I shear the sounds of the footsteps
Closer. More rapid

They appear in front of me
Their angry shouts filling my ears
I am beaten and then once again cast out. It is nothing
I have not dealt with before…in this life of mine.